Goleta Beach Olympic Triathlon 2012

My foot is healed! That being said, my swim and my run is not where it was, but I am happy with the progress I've made since returning to California.

Quick update on some workouts. After arriving in California and a 10 day trip to Canada, I ran three times. I had to take it easy because the tissue in my foot was still tender and could have potentially split. I was only able to get one swim workout in at the local YMCA in Lethbridge. I can't wait to get back in my pool at Feng Chia.

Needless to say, I have lost a lot on the swim and a bit on the run.

Goleta Beach Olympic Triathlon

After deciding to visit my family in California, I knew I had to do a triathlon in the Golden State. Goleta Beach Olympic Triathlon was perfect! I recruited a few friends (two first timers) and started preparing... or not because I had 20+ stitches in my foot.

On a newly-wed-student budget, I wasn't able to pop for a hotel, so my friend Andreas and I ended up sleeping in a Costco parking lot. Check out our bunk! We chained the bikes to the frame of the car and covered them up from the beach dew.

Thankfully, our bikes were still there in the morning. We got there early as the first ones were able to pick their transition spot on the designated rack. Check out this weather! The morning was chilly but perfect for a triathlon.

I dragged these bums along with me.

27 seconds too slow

Post race photo

The Race
Swim: This was my first tri with a wetsuit. I'm not about to buy one (no $$$) so I had to borrow. This wetsuit was super tight and didn't allow for good arm rotation. After getting over the cold and catching my rhythm, I realized how hard I had to work for every stroke. My triceps got tired but I pushed on. It was a great swim course parallel to the beach. 34:21 on the swim.

Bike: I came out a little dizzy, but got my composure and before I knew it, I was mounting. It turns out I had the 3rd fastest T1 of the event with 1:08. This course was flat, fast and a lot of fun. It was an out and back with a little spire before the final turnaround. There were a lot of flats, at least six or seven of those ahead of me. I didn't see a wreck, but heard some guy got sent to the hospital after a tangle with a car. 1:17:37 on the bike.

Run: I loved this run. The weather in Taiwan really takes a lot out of you, but this California weather is spoiling me! This was also a flat run, two 5k laps. Half of each lap was along the sand right up against the water. I'm not a huge fan of running in the sand but low tide kept the water down and the sand packed. 45:45 on the run.

Total: 2:40:27, which is my new PR.

All in all, I would definitely participate in the Goleta Beach Triathlon again. Anyone want to spot me $1,200 for a plane ticket?

I wanted to give a shout out and express my concern for the Parmelly family. On my second lap, I ran by a few EMTs who were administering CPR to a fellow athlete. I do not know Duke personally, but feel for his family who are now dealing with this tragedy. After an induced coma and two nights in the hospital, he has woken up and is talking. You can follow his progress at the link below. See you next year Duke!

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/dukeparmelly